Sony, Samsung to Share
Most of Their Patents

Four-Year Agreement Aims
To Facilitate Competition
By Heading Off Litigation

By

Phred Dvorak and

Evan Ramstad Staff Reporters of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

Updated Dec. 15, 2004 12:01 a.m. ET

TOKYO -- Sony Corp. and Samsung Electronics Co. said they have agreed to share the bulk of their patents, in an unusual move that shows how changes in the electronics industry are pushing some rivals into closer cooperation.

The two giant electronics companies signed a cross-licensing agreement -- or agreement to use each others' patents free of charge or for a discounted fee -- that covers all technologies the companies deem basic,...